TR; Sugar Loaf Island, Greers Ferry Lake

[Clif]

I think I read it was a half mile out. We camped at the Corps park and got an early start out to the island. Coulda have used my parents pontoon boat, but the buffy barge was our mode of transport this day. Heading over at 7ish in the morning was cool with the glassy lake and very little wind. Lots of wakes tho. Fishermans I 'spose. One set from a slow churning party barge was fair size and we were close to the island by that point. They rose to rock us as they pushed to the shore. The 4 year old wasn't thrilled while the 10 year old went wheeee.

The plan was to have a brunch at the top of the hill, some 500 feet over the lake. A nice walk but on a good trail with switchbacks and steps it wasn't bad. Was glad to feel the breeze pick up about half way up even tho part of me was apprehensive about how rough the water would be on the way back to the campground. For those who do not know, SCROLL DOWN HERE. No pictures but some info. This day we were only going 4 year old speed. We took the steps and trail up across the top. The views were wonderful. We did one of the two geocaches but my batteries started going and the other was out in the weeds. Not wanting a family full of chiggers, we settled on finding one and soaking up the scenery. As usual the walk back down seemed quicker.

Mom had a hammock incident the night before, ungraceful dismount, and had a nasty knee. I was wondering and had pretty much decided after feeling the canoe in the waves with her on the front seat, she needed to be able to kneel or give the bowman position up. Young Quinton did a wonderful job while Mom sat in the middle. Even tho we started with a stiff headwind after we crossed most of the lake and turned back to our destination it seemed to be at our side and helping us along. No big waves and it wasn't as choppy or windy as I had feared.

We swim at this park very often but had never stopped to or had the boat to get out and climb the hill. My son remarked how it did not look as tall after he had walked up. We were swimming after the hike/paddle to cool off. For sure worth the effort to get out here and walk up. The rock bluff line top of this hill has steps to make it up. Bring a camera, which I did not. You have prolly seen pics from the top or of this hill if you look at much Greers ferry info. Make this trip if you get a chance. Since I brought a backpack we carried our trash back off but there are several trash cans and benches on the trail. We even picked up a bit of trash but happy to say there was not too much. A trip back out with no leaves on the trees and less bugs is on the planning board.

happy trails. Ain't this a wonderful world God has given us?

[Richard]

Clif, this is a great winter paddle/hike. Bob Stout and I did it a few years ago in December. Spectacular views from the top. The wind was blowing. Big waves. I was glad Bob was along.

[Trismegistus]

There's also a one or two geocaches on the island if one is game for further exploration.

Thanks for the recommendation and trip report Clif.